Camilo Mansanarez, 90

Camilo Mansanarez

MONTE VISTA — Camilo Mansanarez, 90, passed from this world into God’s kingdom, on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at Homelake Veterans Center.

Camilo was born on July 15, 1929, to Manuel and Theodora (Martinez) Mansanerez.

At 21, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Valdez. Together they raised their two daughters and one son.

Camilo is survived by his wife, of 70 years, Bea; daughters, Rosalyn (Joseph) Velasquez and Linda (Anthony) Cherry; brother, Levi Mansanarez; grandchildren, Jodi Velasquez, Joel Velasquez, Amanda (Tommy) Espinoza Velasquez, Vanessa (Luis) Brinez, David Lee (Logan) Mansanarez, and Cameron Mansanarez (Tanner Nelson); great-grandchildren, Matthew, Adrian, Leilani, Jediah, Faith, Wyatt, and Sebastian; and great-great-granddaughter, Olivia; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Manuel and Theodora; son, David Kelley; and siblings, Isaac Mansanarez, Virginia Martinez, Clara Jimenez, Fred Mansanarez and Alice Lopez.

Cam was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a construction engineer, specializing in restoring destroyed bridges. He also served a tour during the occupation of Japan following World War II.

Cam owned and operated the J2C Auto Repair Shop, along with his brothers-in-law, John and Alex Valdez, for many years. He then was employed as a construction engineer at Homelake Veterans Center. During his lifetime he built his own home, became an accomplished professional artist, mastering all mediums of art and silversmithing. He taught silversmithing at the Monte Vista Community School and taught art at the Rio Grande County Museum.

Although Cam lost his eyesight in 2006, he continued to paint from memory. In 2013, he entered an art contest sponsored by the National Veterans Art Association. His first-place award sent his painting to Washington, D.C., to be hung in the U.S. Capitol Building.

Cam was a loving, kind, generous man, who loved visits from his grandchildren, family gatherings, the outdoors, the mountains, aspen trees, gambling and dancing. His family will miss his loving presence, dinner prayer and quick wit.

In celebration of his life, a memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista on Feb. 18, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Burial to follow at the Homelake Veterans Center Cemetery in Monte Vista.

The family of Cam would like to express sincere appreciation to the Monte Vista Ambulance, Alamosa Regional Medical Center and Homelake Veterans Center for the compassionate and loving care he received while at these facilities.

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements. To offer condolences or words of strength for the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your preferred Diabetes Foundation. Donations can be made in care of the mortuary.